Where: | St Agnes, Cornwall - village centre for Street Theatre and other events and Chapel Porth Cliffs at 4 pm for Pageant |
When: | Sunday before May Day Bank Holiday |
Time: | Street theatre from noon, Pageant at 4 pm at Cliffs |
Bolster Day is a well established event commemorating the giant Bolster, a local figure of legend, with a procession and play featuring the dastardly deeds of the eponymous anti-hero which included eating the local children. Expect to be towered over by Bolster himself – there will also be plenty of music, dancing and other entertainments. Street performances will take place in the village throughout the afternoon followed by the conquest of Bolster on the cliffs by the fair Agnes.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Sunday 4th May.
All are welcome free of charge at this family-friendly festival. The best place to watch the performance is by the Beacon off the cliff path above Chapel Porth where you’ll see banners and bunting ready on the day. There’s also limited parking with a cafe at Chapel Porth beach itself, and parking at Wheal Cotes nearby – be aware that the terrain here is steep, and allow plenty of time to get in position. When we went in 2018 there was a cool mist off the sea even though it was hot inland.
Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/St-Agnes-Bolster-Festival-112008372159930
Click here for the event website: http://bolsterfestival.wordpress.com/
I come over from USA every year for a visit in early May and schedule it just in time for BOLSTER DAY every year. It is fantastic and the highlight of our adventure.!!
Hi Priscilla, Unfortunatley the 2020 event has been cancelled. we do hope to see you in 2021!
It is with deep regrets that the organisers of St Agnes bolster festival must announce the temporary cancelation of the 2020 pageant, which was due to take place on the 8th and 9th May, this cancelation extends to the planned workshop at the MMI, St Agnes, on the 25th April.
This decision was made with heavy hearts but in lieu of the complex and constantly evolving issues surrounding COVID-19 we no longer feel it is appropriate to proceed with the event at this time.
The committee are constantly monitoring the situation closely and should we feel appropriate will seek to re-arrange the pageant weekend. Please check social media for updates.
Please remember to look after yourself and others in this difficult time
Love Bolster xx
It is with delight we can announce that St Agnes Bolster Festival is back for 2022!
You can join us for our Clay model & Lantern workshop on Easter Saturday at the MMI in St Agnes (16th April, 10am).
There is also our annual Bonfire atop St Agnes Beacon, with accompanying procession to take part in. This year, joined by the Music of the Bolster band to help us march to the top of the beacon! (30th April 7-12pm).
The festivities continue into May 1st with our Street Theatre through St Agnes Village concluding atop the cliffs at Chapel Porth with the annual Pageant (2pm-).
We hope to see you all there!
Love Bolster xx
That’s good news indeed- thanks for sharing!
Averil